5 Cash Back Credit Card Tips That Can Save Online Shoppers, According to Creditnet.com

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More and more, shopping online is the easy and preferred way to go for consumers. Creditnet.com offers up five ways to save when shopping online with your cash back credit card.

5 cash back credit card tips for online shoppers, according to Creditnet.com

Consumers with good-to-excellent credit that don't own a cash back credit card are missing out on some serious savings.

San Diego, Calif. (PRWEB)April 25, 2013

It's no secret that online shopping is becoming more and more the preferred way for consumers to shop. Often, the deals are better, the process faster and the parking... well, it's a lot easier to park your car when you're shopping from home.

Naturally, any money saved while shopping is worthwhile, which is why Creditnet.com - an online authority on credit card rewards - today released 5 cash back credit card tips that are sure to save the average consumer on their next online shopping spree.

Creditnet considered average American spending habits, and used research from NPR's Planet Money and Investopedia when putting together its list.

With that, here are 5 cash back credit card tips that can save online shoppers, beginning with the most obvious...

1.) Apply for a cash back credit card

Consumers with good-to-excellent credit that don't own a cash back credit card are likely missing out on some serious savings over the course of a year. 1, 2 and even 5 percent cash back don't amount to much with one purchase. But over time, cash back accrued can turn into discounted or free travel purchases, gift cards and merchandise, or even a cash statement used to pay off that very same credit card balance.

Cash back credit cards are the most lucrative way to spend. Savvy consumers would be smart to save money with the cash back afforded by this category of credit cards.

2.) Consider a credit card company's online mall

Some credit card networks - including Discover, Chase and American Express - have teamed up with featured partners in an effort to get consumers to spend through them. The incentive is often cash back bonus rewards of upwards of 20 percent per $1 spent.

For instance, Discover it™ cardholders (and other Discover cardholders) can earn up to 20 percent in cash back with purchases made at the ShopDiscover online mall. Before making an online purchase, consumers should check to see if the item is available through their credit card issuer's online marketplace as the savings could be significant.

3.) Be aware of bonus cash back categories

The aforementioned Discover it™ card and the Chase Freedom® card, among others, offer 5 percent cash back on up to $1,500 in categories that rotate each quarter. 5 percent cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases is the equivalent of $75; for consumers that plan on making said purchases anyways, that's a lot of money to save compared to cash or debit purchases.

It's also important for cardholders to remember to enroll in bonus cash back programs if required; this is usually as simple as a click of the mouse. It's also worthwhile for consumers to look ahead when it comes to a credit card's bonus cash back calendar to determine if any upcoming purchases planned is eligible for bonus cash back in the future.

Before shopping online, consumers should make sure to consider the bonus cash back categories offered for that quarter.

4.) Use a bonus cash back opportunity to make a big purchase

Some of the most popular cash back credit cards - including the Capital One® Cash Rewards - $100 Cash Back Bonus card and the aforementioned Chase Freedom® card - offer a $100 cash back bonus when consumers spend $500 or more within the first three months from account opening.

Consumers interested in making a big purchase online would be wise to do so within the first three months of owning a $100 cash back credit card. Be it a flat-screen TV, an upcoming Mother's Day gift or otherwise, one swipe of the card (or in this case, typing of a credit card number) could net a savings of $100. Yet another reason to opt for credit over cash.

5.) Buy in bulk

Finally, while shoppers can earn even more cash back after multiple shipping and handling fees, that's not exactly a silver lining on additional money spent for consumers. The trick to dodging multiple shipping and handling fees is to buy in bulk from one retailer.

Going back to tip No. 2, some card network's online marketplaces are partnered up with big-time department stores that sell a wide variety of items, including Macy's, Home Depot, Kohl's and others. Save cash on shipping and handling by buying in bulk through one retailer if possible.

For more information on cash back credit card tips for online shoppers, contact Creditnet Vice President Jason Bushey via Google+, or use the Twitter handle @Creditnet.